The Medical Clinic Visits the Village of Mosovi

Today was the second day of our medical clinic. We traveled over the bumpy roads to the small Dominican village of Mosovi. There, we were greeted by hundreds of locals looking forward to their visit with the dentist or doctor. Setting up our tents we assumed our roles. The two of us, Laura (nursing student) and Scott (Kinesiology student), were both stationed with a doctor. The experience of working alongside as a partner to these experienced health care professionals was amazing to say the least. The opportunity to practice the skills we have learned in school, in a real life situation, was incredible. Being able to assist in diagnosing with the doctors and having our opinions of certain things, including pharmaceuticals and physical therapy taken seriously was so incredible. Having the opportunity to practice general medical skills such as using the stethoscope, otoscope, and stabilizing joints allowed us to view an array of ailments and disorders.

Sarah’s Blog – Being Home (MX Intern 2012)

It’s funny how a place you go only once a year can become your home – more so than where you are actually from. I have spent the last month interning in Mexico and it has been beyond amazing. The people I have met for the first time or once again all have a special place in my heart.

Coming home to Mexico every year is what keeps me going when I’m back in Canada. It is my motivation to do well in school and save money for next summer to come back and do it all again. However each time is different – new people, new families, and new experiences. The diversity amongst those three things alone is something I yearn for.

Not only do I learn from the families I build for, which is a given, but I learn from the people I meet on each trip. Each of us has a purpose in life, and when we can all join together for the same purpose, we accomplish so much. 

Each night we have debriefing where we talk about our day or discuss global awareness. You never do know what people will say when talking about poverty, statelessness or the like. Things you never expect from some people just blow you away at what they think. And when someone else says exactly what you are thinking, you know that you’re in the right place.

Something that keeps me coming back every year is getting to visit families I’ve built for in previous years. Going to see how they are doing, what has changed and how they have made their house a home is so rewarding. You get to see how you made a significant difference in their lives through them telling you how school is going for the kids, how work is going for the parents and many other things.

However the best out of all of this is their smiles. When they recognize you and realize that you’ve come back, there is nothing to compare that to. These families may hope that one day they will see you again, but they can never know for sure. But when you do go back to visit, they are beyond happy. You can become so much closer with them even within a short time, because the bond you share becomes stronger and they truly realize that you haven’t forgotten about them.

Being an intern means I’m here for a month and last year that was a perfect amount of time. But being here this year there’s something different – I want to be here longer. I want to meet more local people, create bonds with new families and be happy for longer. It’s often hard to bring the happiness I experience here back to Canada because there aren’t many people to talk about my experiences with. Sure I can talk about my tan or how my month was so amazing, but details don’t get shared often. But if I could be here for longer, maybe just move here, I can retain this happiness for much longer.

The other night while I was leading debriefing I got to listen to everyone talk. I mean I do that all the time, but it’s different here. Here I get to listen to people talk about what they love, what they are passionate about. There is nothing better than the look in someone’s eyes when they tell a story from their day that I know they will remember for a long time. Their eyes light up and their smile is contagious. If I could even just do that for the rest of my life, my time would be well spent.

Sarah – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Mexico Intern 2012

Building more than a house, building a home

My Hero Holiday experience in Mexico has been absolutely surreal and amazing. I came on the trip with an open mind and I can honestly say my perspective has been completely changed.

Firstly, the people who I have met on my trip have become my second family. Everyone is so friendly and supportive, and we have become close knit teams. The staff and interns have also made the entire experience great by always being there to answer our questions and keep us going. Secondly, it was crazy how a group of 16 people could become so close over such a short period of time and work together to build a house in 4 days. But by far the most amazing part of my trip was building a connection with our family. Our family consisted of the mother Eva, the father Domingo, their son, their daughter Anna, and their oldest daughter Susana. I am so honored I was able to become a part of their life and share this experience with them. Hearing about their hopes and dreams has truly inspired me to always have hope and fight for my dreams and work hard to achieve them. I think the moment I really connected with them was when the oldest daughter was when she told me her dream was to be a biologist and pursue scientific research. It hit me that although we were from such different worlds and places, we shared the same dream. This was very eye opening for me, and I felt like I could relate to the family and really connect with them.

I could not think of a more deserving family to get this home, they are so kind, loving and deserving. The moment we gave the family the keys to their new house on dedication day is unparalleled to any other feeling I have ever experienced. This family has changed my life, and the way I view the world. I have learned to appreciate what I have, and to live every day with purpose and to not talk life for granted. I am so glad I got to experience this trip and that I was able to meet all the wonderful people I have met!

Asha – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Mexico Volunteer 2012

A Smile is the Shortest Distance Between Two People

Trying out a circular saw for the first time, laughing at every bent nail while hammering through the frames, putting up the walls, the roof, and after plenty of painting…at last, we’ve reached the final building day at the worksite! It’s amazing to see how far things have come since Day 1 and how fast time flies by on this trip. The newly built house is ready for dedication tomorrow to a very deserving and a loving family and I can’t wait to see their reactions upon receiving their new house keys.  Ely the father, is a dedicated family man who devotes strenuous hours to work in the field and his wife Ilda is one of the sweetest women I’ve ever known. Despite the little they had, Ilda and Margarita (Ely’s mother) wanted to cook for everyone at the worksite and it was so heartwarming to see how loving and generous they can be. Ilda and Ely’s 20-month-old son Michel too, has been getting his share of the attention (especially from the girls!) as he has one of the cutest smiles that can surely brighten up anyone’s day – I’m definitely going to miss his penguin walks and random outbursts of infectious giggles.

When we were given the opportunity to interview the family, Ilda was asked about what she was looking forward to the most upon receiving their new home. Both Ilda and Ely had hoped the new house will help mitigate Michel’s breathing problems (as he coughs fairly often during the day) and the risks of burglary around the neighbourhood. She also shared her values in education, her goals in wanting to start a business in the fashion industry after graduation, and how she wants to continue to set a good example for Michel. Ilda would also not mind having another girl in the family while Ely wants another boy! 🙂 I really wish the best for this family and I pray that they will be blessed with everything good as they begin a new chapter in their lives. I hope they are stoked as I am with the house dedication just around the corner!! I’m too excited to sleep haha 🙂

Thinking back to my Day 1 at the worksite, I remember being filled with excitement mixed with a touch of confusion (since house-building let alone hammering in a nail properly wasn’t my forte) but working alongside Saul (our translator/construction leader), “Papa Kent”, the family and the ever so hard-working teammates, I was able to learn so much from everyone within the week. The family has been a huge encouragement in many ways and they reminded me of all the things I can really appreciate having back at home. I am truly grateful for all the relationships I’ve been able to build and most of all, grateful to have made an impact on Ely, Ilda and Michel’s lives. Being on this journey with great staff, interns, participants and a welcoming community have definitely made this trip worthwhile and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience in the past few days.

“A smile is the shortest distance between two people” – and it really is. Even though we come from two different places with two different languages, this community has never ceased to remind us that a smile is the same in every language. 

I will remember their welcoming “holas” and bittersweet “adios” and a part of my heart will always stay here in Mexico. Thank you for the unforgettable experience Hero Holiday!

Con mucho amor,

Sabrina – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Mexico Trip 2012

Do wisdom teeth roots grow like tree roots? Apparently so!

Today was the first day of our medical clinics- and it was a total success! We left our resort in Sosua at 8:30am with our truck fully loaded. We arrived at La Grua around 9:30am; and lucky for us, the strapping young men had our gazebo tents already set up. There were six stations total- registration first, then the patients were moved on to vital signs. Next they were seen by the doctor and nursing students, then they picked up their prescriptions as they were leaving the clinics. We also had a station where patients could see the dentists- where they did everything from checkups, to cleanings, to fillings and wisdom tooth extractions… You should have seen the roots on that thing!

We were steady going for four hours and were able to provide care for 173 patients. Imagine if Canadian emergency rooms could run as fast as we did! We spent the remainder of the day debriefing (what we experienced today and how it made us feel), and preparing medications and supplies for the clinic tomorrow. To speak on a more personal note, during debriefing Nettie asked us to talk about a special moment we each had today at the clinic. Here are ours:

Vanessa- for me there is not just one particular special moment of my day. The entire day was a special experience. I was in the pharmacy which was lot of fun and very busy, but when I had a moment to myself I stopped and looked around at what was actually happening. Such a variety of cultures and backgrounds- Haitians, Dominicans, those from Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador all coming together for a common goal- to help those in need. I never thought it would have felt so amazing.

Amanda- I spent half of the day with the dentist, and half alongside a doctor. Firstly, it was a major learning experience. I learned how to better my own nursing skills, but I also got to learn new ones. I learned so much about the people here. Common health problems, what a major role the amount of money you have plays in your health, that there are little things I take for granted every day in Canada- I dislike going to the doctor and especially to the dentist, but I have the accessibility to do so whenever I need to. It was a profound moment for me when an elderly gentleman needed four teeth extracted, sat there and hardly flinched while we did our jobs, and had the biggest smile on his face when we were done. The gratitude they’ve expressed is heartwarming, and is something I’ll never forget.

Tomorrow we go to the next village we will set up a clinic in. We are eager to meet more smiling faces who are so grateful for what we are providing. Goodnight!

Amanda & Vanessa – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Medical Trip 2012

A Day in the Life of Boston Pizza Volunteer

Hey Mom, We Made it!

First off, our apologies to all of those concerned moms and dads back in Canada – we’re all here and safe! Today was our first day visiting the communities in which we will be helping. Meeting with the people of these communities reminded me of why we chose to come here- To help others who aren’t as fortunate to have access to the necessities for health and health care as we do. We are nursing students and are here in Sosua with 16 other students and professionals of a similar field or interest.

Nicki’s Blog – Dedication Day (MX Intern 2012)

Dedication day’, two words that no one knows the meaning of until they get the amazing opportunity to experience it for themselves.

To put it shortly, Its a day where you’re able to give a deserving family their brand new home that — in just four days– was built for them. There is much more too it though, it is a day full of pleasure and emotions.

The day begins with everyone wondering what they’re going to say to the family, as you will want to have a small speech prepared that will express your time with them in those short four days. So many emotions running through everyone’s minds as they picture what will happen on that part of the journey; both good and bad. Good because you have done an amazing thing by providing these wonderful people with a new home to grow and love their family. A place where they’re safe. More emotions come from the feeling of accomplishment when you see the joy on their faces after handing over the keys to their new home. As everyone lines up in a semicircle surrounding the family and home, the dedication begins. One by one everyone that built the house speaks about how they interpreted the experience and how they hope that the family will enjoy their new place they call home. I personally get emotional because of how bittersweet it is to see their faces light up because of what we have just done for them. Bitter because I hate to see us go knowing it won’t be at least a year until we meet again.

Doing this for the third time in a span of two years is the most fantastic and heartwarming feeling I have ever felt. Even though I’ve been through it more than once, I still don’t know what to expect until I actually do experience it again. You cannot put the feelings down in writing, you cannot tell someone what you and everyone else has felt on that day no matter how hard you try. It’s unexplainable, you’re speechless. I highly recommend that everyone gets to go through this at least once in their lives, it changes you, forever.

Love-Hope-Change.

Nicki – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Intern, Mexico, Summer 2012

Chelsea’s Blog – I’ve Learned My Purpose (MX Intern 2012)

If I were to look back five years ago, and said I’d be spending my last summer before university in Mexico interning for a humanitarian organization, I would’ve thought it was a dream and an aspiration that was never going to happen. Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to do something with my life that was directly involved with other people. At first I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, then politics, and for a while maybe a diplomat for Canada. In September I’m going to Dalhousie University in Halifax to study International Development. Everyone has a purpose in life; over the last year I’ve learned my purpose is to give other people a purpose to their life, to give them hope, to give them dreams.

Last summer I spent 10 days in the Dominican Republic on a Hero Holiday, I am currently halfway through my internship on a Hero Holiday but this time I’m in Mexico. I’m sitting in the muggy San Diego weather thinking about the past two weeks of my life. First time on the West Coast, first time seeing, and peeing in the Pacific Ocean, and going to a new country. The night before I left for my trip one of the past interns on my Dominican trip told me not to have any expectations for Mexico, that way I could go into it with a clear head and not compare it to my past trip. I’m very happy I listened to him. I came down here completely open to the new idea of new friends and a new experience. It’s funny how fast you forget the impact these trips have on you. I’ve yet to shut up about Dominican as my close friends know, but going back into impoverished areas never gets easier.

I helped build a house for a family of four. The children were aged 15 and 5. The family spoke a Mexican dialect which made translating difficult as it’s different than Spanish. The fifteen year old son however has been going to school and speaks Spanish. Most 15 year olds are roughly in grade 10. Raoul is only in grade 6. The family was very shy, and very short. Even me standing at 5’’2 I was taller then the father. I thought translating was going to be very difficult because they for one didn’t speak English and two, were so shy I didn’t think they would open up and let us into their life. On our last day however, even just after a couple days we had this amazing bond with our family. They opened up, let us into their life, and let us give them hope. On the second day of working, I didn’t get much working done. The kids just flocked to me, so many years of babysitting really paid off I guess! I had one special friend, Yolanda. She lived next door to the family I was building. As I was playing with her and Rosalia, the little girl I was building the house for, I was listening to them talk and realized Yolanda spoke Spanish and the Mexican dialect my family spoke. She stuck to my side all week. We had a special bond with secret handshakes and jokes despite the fact we don’t even speak the same language. On the day of house dedication after we gave our family the keys I took Yolanda off to the side and gave her a sleeping bag. I have never seen such a genuine smile of love and appreciation as the look she gave me that day.

After we said our sad goodbyes to the first week participants, intern week began. We affectionately have called it, Blood, Sweat, and Tears. We spent a day cleaning up the community we built for earlier that week. After we cleaned we went back to visit our families. I hadn’t even made it halfway down the hill when Yolanda ran up to me, and as we approached the house, Paulina, the mother was holding back tears as she was so happy to see us. She mentioned earlier in the week how sad she was to see us go because she wasn’t going to have as many friends anymore. They were so proud to show us their new home. They adjusted very well after spending their days before LiveDifferent helped them in less then desirable living conditions. I’d love to go back in five years to see how they’re doing and to see how improved their life will become. Even just after a few days Paulina looked so much healthier and happier then she did the previous week when we first met here. 

The other night we walked up the hill in the community and watched the sunset from on top of a water tower. One thing I’ve always loved is watching the sunset no matter where I am, and watching the lights of the city come on. On my left all of the lights came on, and sadly just a couple of miles further away on my right there were no lights at all, and then I realized it was the community we built in just days before. No electricity at all. And I thought it was a bummer when the wifi was down. It’s amazing how guilty I feel for how wonderful my life is compared to theirs. However, even though I may have more material things then they do. Material things only go so far. On these trips is where I’ve met the people who are happiest in life, with literally nothing. Yet back home people are mad at the world because they don’t have the newest video game. It’s just interesting and frustrating at times the barriers and differences between Mexico and Canada.

Tomorrow starts a new week of participants as we make the airport runs, I’m looking forward to meeting more amazing people and changing the lives of a family completely around. I’m building a house for a family of three, the son is just 20 months old and they live in a very small house. I’m going home in 11 days. I have mixed emotions about going home. I’ve made a big new family and love the life of the Mexicans, except the food. I’m too picky and like my Canadian, Westernized food. Our main translator lives across the road from us and his wife, Julia is our cook. They have a two year old son named Edwin who will for sure be a heartbreaker. There are two dogs living with us that are just like my dogs, so it’s like I’m at home. The only difference is the fact that I can wake up here every morning knowing I’m going to make a positive impact on someone’s life. That someone will be happier at the end of the day because of something I did. This is my passion and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life changing the lives of those who deserve it the most. I may be helping to give these people homes, but they don’t realize how much they are giving me in return. Words cannot describe the feeling I get from seeing the smiles on their faces. 

Chelsea – LiveDifferent Hero Holiday Intern, Mexico, Summer 2012

Reggie’s Blog – Changing and Improving (DR Intern 2012)

Going into a new experience you always wonder what to expect. That is how I felt going into a Hero Holiday this year, 2012, as an intern. Yes, I knew the outline of responsibilities, I read all of the emails, and I heard stories from previous interns, but I have never experienced it myself to bring it all to reality. Now that the experience has come to an end, I now know what it means to be an intern and it is amazing!!!